August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month and what better time to have a closer look at some of the most recent treatment options and developments in the field. Despite the common misconception that hair loss (alopecia) is mostly a problem for men, a significant number of women as well as children suffer from hair loss.
The American Hair Loss Association estimates that approximately 80 million men and women suffer from hair loss in the United States. By the time they are 35, approximately two-thirds of men will begin to show thinning hair, with around 40% of women experiencing the same issue by the time they are 40.
In fact, the global hair loss market is expected to rise considerably between 2022 and 2028, to reach a whopping USD 13.80 billion. Along with an increased prevalence in hair loss among individuals, it is believed that some of the main factors driving this exponential market growth are an increased demand in effective treatment options as well as a growing number of clinical trials taking place.
Regardless of what is driving growth, efforts continue to find effective and reliable treatment options as people who suffer from hair loss can see a considerable decrease in their quality of life.
Effects of Hair Loss on Mental Health
Although hair loss itself is not considered to be physically painful, research suggests the condition may lead to adverse psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety. This stems from embarrassment, fear and other stressors of living with and managing the condition. People may try to hide their bald spots, opt to stay indoors and become reclusive, or simply give in to the feelings of despair.
Although hair loss itself is not considered to be physically painful, research suggests the condition may lead to adverse psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety. This stems from embarrassment, fear and other stressors of living with and managing the condition. People may try to hide their bald spots, opt to stay indoors and become reclusive, or simply give in to the feelings of despair.
It is therefore essential that health care professionals are able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the negative impacts hair loss can have on their patients and work in partnership with other providers to offer effective overall, supportive care. Furthermore, an awareness of these adverse effects is all the more reason that exploring new and innovative treatment options are a significant step forward for individuals suffering hair loss.
New Methods and Emerging Treatments
Alan J. Bauman, MD, founder, CEO and medical director of Bauman Medical, is a world-renowned hair transplant surgeon based in South Florida. He has received certification from the reputable American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, as well as being affiliated with a number of other professional boards and organizations. Dr. Bauman has earned a formidable reputation in the field of hair restoration and is regularly invited to speak at conferences and events. In his recent session at LiVderm’s South Beach Symposium, he highlighted some of the latest forms of treatment and technology as it concerns hair restoration, all of which he himself uses in his practice.
Alma-TED
Alma, leading provider of energy-based aesthetic medical technologies, recently introduced the TransEpidermal Delivery or TED. This class 1 medical device is an ultrasound-based system with a proprietary tip used to treat hair shedding and hair thinning. It is a noninvasive, nontraumatic treatment option that has been clinically proven to minimize hair shedding, improve hair growth and enhance scalp health.
Using ultrasonic sound waves and air pressure to penetrate the skin with powerful topical hair growth treatments, the TED device increases blood flow to the scalp. It is a painless, needle-free treatment that requires no anesthetic. This makes it a comfortable option for patients, many of whom have seen remarkable results after only a few weeks.
Dr. Bauman has introduced this treatment in his practice and states, “I’m excited because hair loss sufferers out there who’ve avoided effective in-office treatments because of their fear of needles or pain will be thrilled to learn about how TED will help them get ahead of their hair loss situation.”
Olumiant (baricitinib)
Baricitinib, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is the first systemic treatment for alopecia areata. This once-daily pill, approved for adults with severe alopecia, has seen much media attention recently as it is considered a significant breakthrough in the treatment of this autoimmune disease. This oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor drug has the ability to transform the lives of patients with alopecia areata. Pioneer in JAK inhibitor research and leader in baricitinib’s clinical trials, Brett A. King, MD, PhD, advocates this new treatment as a huge advancement in the industry.
HairMetrix
Canfield’s AI-driven hair analysis device provides an easy and effective way of analyzing hair. The fully automated system requires no hair clipping or special scalp or hair preparation. HairMetrix uses the latest AI algorithms and measures specific data including hair count per square centimeter, average number of hairs per follicular unit and average hair width. Allowing for 200x magnification and customized reports, this technology provides the most accurate real-time hair loss analysis available in the industry. With this easy tool for clinical reporting, clinicians are better able to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment and monitoring plans. Dr. Bauman is in fact one of the first physicians to use this newly developed AI hair analysis system.
CNC Digital 3D Cranial Scalp Prosthesis Hair Replacement System
Although the CNC 3D Printed Hair Prosthesis system is already considered one of the most advanced technologies for hair replacement, the new Digital CRLAB 3D scanner has put it even further ahead in innovation. Where the previous system created a mold of the patient’s head with plaster, the new technology scans the scalp in minutes before directly transmitting the dimensions to Bologna for 3D printing and creation.
This noninvasive, seven-phase system is able to provide a nonsurgical, custom solution to patients with hair loss. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and FDA approved, providing natural looking and complete hair restoration.
Hair Loss in Pediatric Patients
According to pediatric dermatologist, Brittany G. Craiglow, MD, alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia are the two most common causes of pediatric hair loss. Until recently however, dermatologists have not really had effective treatment options for the treatment of hair loss in children.
In terms of treatment, Dr. Craiglow mentions oral minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia as well as dupilumab, which is showing to be an effective option for children with both alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis.
Taking care of mental health just as important in pediatric patients as in the adult population.
“The importance of recognizing the ill effects of hair loss in children and how it affects patients and families can’t be overemphasized. There is a complicated psychology that goes along with hair loss. Take some extra time with these patients and assure the family that their feelings are valid.”
Key Takeaway
Hair loss, like many other conditions, is one which can cause devastating effects on the patient both physically as well as mentally and emotionally. As care providers, it is vital that effective treatment is combined with a clear understanding of the patient’s concerns, background and personal situation. Fortunately, with many of the latest technological advances in the area of hair restoration, it is now possible to offer patients experiencing hair loss more targeted approaches in treatment and management.
- https://almainc.com/products/almated
- https://www.canfieldsci.com/imaging-systems/hairmetrix/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hair-loss-awareness-month-2022-301591353.html
- https://www.americanhairloss.org/index.html
- https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata/alopecia-areata-treatments
- https://hairlabchicago.com/solutions/cnc-3d-printed-hair-prosthesis/
- https://crlab.com/en_en/our-solutions/hair-prosthetic-system/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-the-thick-of-hair-loss-awareness-month-top-hair-doctor-introduces-alma-ted-new-breakthrough-non-invasive-technology-to-improve-hair-growth-301604394.html
- https://www.baumanmedical.com/
- https://www.biospace.com/article/alopecia-market-size-2022-2028-increasing-prevalence-of-hair-loss-across-the-globe-is-a-key-factor-driving-market-growth/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1261195/
- https://www.happyhead.com/the-invisible-effects-of-alopecia-on-your-mental-health/
- https://thedermdigest.com/podcast/treating-pediatric-hair-loss/
